ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16025, 17 September 1915, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

NORTHERN' ATHLETIC UNIONTHE YEAR'S OPERATIONS. The report of the Northern Athletic Union, which will be presented at the annual meeting on September 29, states that the season's operations have been highly satisfactory, and there is a credit balance of £16 Ss lOd. For the past eight years it has been the policy of the executive to keep down expenses, to devote as much money as possible to the encouragement of sport, and to help clubs, and since the delegates decided to cease sending large subsidies to Timaru the executive has been able to materially help sport in the Auckland province. This policy i j i *° elective that Auckland still leads the way in athletic affairs in the ■Dominion; rin fact, this is the only province in New Zealand where the sport is thoroughly organised and flourishing. It was expected in some quarters that the war would have interfered with the work of clubs and the patronage of the public. This was not so. In nearly every case splendid results were achieved, while in many instances record entries and attendances rewarded the enthusiastic Clubs. The authorities have assured the union that the handsome donations made to the various war funds by clubs have been greatly appreciated. It is suggested that all sports meetings be carried out this year as last, and a percentage of profits be given to the war fund. Two membfr» of the executive. Mr. A. Cornthwaite. of Bombay, and Mr. H. Brumby. of Mangapehi, enlisted, and they carried with them the good wishes of their colleagues. At the last annual meeting the delegates of the Auckland provincial clubs decided to embark on a new policy, and the executive now has pleasure in announcing that in spite of the determined efforts of the New Zealand Athletic Union (Timaru). the policy adopted was entirely successful, l v %. ear ' y art of the season several clubs holding sports under the union were threatened with counter-attractions, but the good sense of the club officials and competitors prevailed, and the attempt of the limaru Union to obtain a footing in Auckland resulted in absolute failure. During the season only lour small —Hukerenui. Kaukapakapa, Morrinsville. and Mauku—held sports which were not under the jurisdiction of the Northern Athletic Union. The officials and the competitors taking part in these meetings were automatically disqualified. A number of these afterwards applied to the union for removal of disqualification, and reinstatement on the ground of misrepresentation. Each case was considered on its merits, and. while many applications were granted, some were refused.

The cash prize of £10 for the winner of most points during the season was won by that sterling runner and clean sport, D. Mason, of Karoo. In platform events the clubs took up the suggestions of the union so keenly that more official judges will have been appointed to act where the official judge and representative. Mr. N. McKenzie Forbes, is not available. As so many athletes have gone to the war the union urges clubs to increase the number of dancing items, and to include other attractions. To place piping and danc- '? on a proper footing has been the aim of the Northern Athletic Union, and this has become an accomplished fact in the province. A conference of representatives from various parts of New Zealand was held at Wellington a few months ago. and Mr. McKenzie rorbes was appointed chairman. Under his expert guidance, piping and dancing will yet flourish in other parts of the Dominion. The Northern Athletic Union has been placed on a legal standing. and is now registered under the Act. to control athletic. cycling. piping, dancing, and axemen's events in and throughout the Province of Auckland. Rule* and regulations were duly drawn up and these were sealed by the Registrar at Wellington. Since the union undertook control of axemen's events this branch of sport has greatly improved. Considerable number of clubs held sawing and chopping competitions, the prizes offered showing a large increase. Axemen appreciate the work of clubs and the new order of control, and public interest has been aroused in these contests, while one registration fee has proved a boon to all concerned. Last Easter two representatives of the liroaru Union visited Auckland and asked for a conference with the executive in regard to amalgamation. These gentlemen were the president, Mr. J. Kennedy (Geraldme). and a member of the executive, Mr. M livery (Master'on). The executive was represented by the president, Mr. Gilfedder, the secretary. Mr. Woodley, and Mr. J Elliot, secretary Labour Day Sports. The Southerners agreed to all the suggestions of Auckland, and the Timaru executive afterwards endorsed them. Recently, however, wnen the Northern Athletic Union asked that the agreement be carried out a disagreement arose, and the executive promptly notified Timaru that negotiations were at an end. Unless varied at the annual meeting la* years policy will be- continued this

The thanks of the union are due to Mr. ;~„ki - ley ' who spared neither time nor trouble in carrying out the secretarial duties during the past year. As delegates will remember Mr. Woodley declined It last yearns to eat \ «*» any suggestion of renumeration for ,3 , services. His work hu Been a labour of love for clean and wellE!E?ft£ d Bp ° rt - while hi » effort, on That behalf have been crowned with success